ICYMI: Latina Designers Were the Oscars’ Best-Kept Secret, and Their Looks Deserve a Standing Ovation
Latinos shined bright at the 97th Oscars. Zoe Saldaña became the first Dominican American star to receive the Actress in a Supporting Role award. Walter Salles’ I’m Still Here took home the Oscar for International Feature Film, a first for the Brazilian film industry. And, of course, we saw beloved Latina stars donning their most stylish looks at the ceremony. Lupita Nyong’o, Bruna Marquezine, and Fernanda Torres, among others, walked the red carpet in the most glamorous fits.
However, the display of Latin American and diaspora talent was not limited to the film industry. Latina-owned brands also left a mark on the red carpets during the Oscars night.
From Mexico to the Oscars Red Carpet
TNT Latam host Lety Sahagún, Latinos’ trusted source for all things red carpet and award ceremonies, sported Mexican brands from head to toe. The host walked the red carpet in an outfit by Lorena Saravia, which consisted of a slip-column dress and matching cloak in warm earth tones. Sahagún, styled by Pablo Rivera, amplified the look with jewelry from the Mexican sisters-owned brand Gabriela Artigas + CO.
Every detail of Sahagún’s appearance, including hair and makeup, was crafted by Mexican hands. In an Instagram post, the host shared, “No matter how many years pass, this night always fills me with emotion. […] What an honor to bring Mexican talent to every detail.”
Mexican Bridal Design in the House!
Another TV host who chose a Latina design was Access Hollywood anchor Kit Hoover. Styled by Michelle Kendrick, Hoover wore the Elisa gown from Nadia Manjarrez’s Spring 2024 collection. The seafoam green dress featured a tulle strapless silhouette and stunning mermaid hem.
In case you missed it, Mexican bridal designer Nadia Manjarrez is one of Mexico’s best-known bridal designers. Manjarrez, a Culiacán native, creates made-to-order gowns with a focus on versatility and wearability. She makes all her designs in a Mexico-based atelier where she exclusively employs female household heads.
Indigenous Talent on the Global Stage
Emilia Pérez actress Adriana Paz spotlighted Indigenous talent for her Oscars red carpet appearance. The Mexican star opted for a red gown by the luxury brand Neithan Herbert. The custom-made creation featured an off-the-shoulder bodice with draped details at the waist. A voluminous skirt cascaded down in a soft train for a red carpet-appropriate twist.
Responsible for Paz’s Bardot neckline dress, Neithan Herbert is a brand helmed by the brother and sister duo Neithan and Anga Ruiz. The Ecuadorian-born, Mexican-raised siblings grew up appreciating craftsmanship and tradition, influenced by their Indigenous parents from the Otavalo community. In 2021, the duo founded Neithan Herbert after Neithan graduated from Istituto Europeo di Design in Milan.
Latino Talent at the After Parties
While the Oscars ceremony is the main event, viewing parties and after-parties bring together stars every year, adding buzz to the night. As he does every year, Elton John hosted his AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party. The gala gathered A-listers, including ‘80s music icon Belinda Carlisle.
The Go-Go’s frontwoman wore a dress by Latina-owned brand Raquel Orozco to the event. Carlisle stunned in a classic dress accentuated with multicolored embroideries along the hems. The combination of rhinestones, sequins, and beads brought the look to the next level, highlighting Mexican craftsmanship. (ICYIM, Raquel Orozco is a sustainable brand that works with local communities in Mexico.)
While the Oscars celebrate achievements in film, fashion is one of the night’s main highlights. As award season came to a close, Latina-owned brands had a moment on the red carpet, bringing well-deserved attention to talented Latina fashion designers.
